Letter to the Editor: Columnist wrong to support Kasich

Kyle Stewart published “The case for Kasich,” in which he explored the concept of Ohio Republican John Kasich representing the party for the nomination, writing “[he’s a]… no-nonsense conservative who brings an optimistic vision to the Republican Party…” adding he’s the only qualified candidate. I’m no Republican, but I did pass the fifth grade, so I know what “optimism” and “qualified” mean. I hate to burst your bubble, but John Kasich is anything but qualified.

In response to anti-LGBTQ+ bathroom legislation, Kasich said, “If you feel as though somebody is doing something wrong against you, can you just, for a second, get over it…?” It’s now legal to discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community, so I’ll “get over it” when there’s equality for all LGBTQ+ people, and these discrimination laws are repealed. These laws are dangerous: it sets a precedent that protecting yourself from fear is more important than the safety of LGBTQ+ people.

Kasich restricted basic female reproductive rights across the board in Ohio — even in instances of rape. He said women shouldn’t go to parties “…where there’s a lot of alcohol…” as if it’s her fault she’s sexually assaulted. It doesn’t matter what they’re wearing or if they’ve had alcohol: it’s never the victim’s fault.

Both The Ithacan and Kyle Stewart propagated homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny by running this editorial. Once again, it seems as though the patriarchy has another mouthpiece, twisting the words of a victim-shaming, anti-LGBTQ+ candidate into a compassionate optimist. The Republican primary is like picking what STD you’d rather be strapped with the rest of your life: They’re terrible and disproportionately target marginalized people. Unfortunately (well, maybe for Mr. Stewart, not for me), by writing this article, you’ve shed light on how absolutely out of touch the Republican Party actually is.